It’s quiet in Woodstock this week, at least around the office. The town is packed with tourists though. I took a couple of walks tonight and shot some of the pictures above along the way. Every chance I get, I’m listening to Sookie Stackhouse on my iPhone. She came with me on my walks today, to the post office, and the grocery store. I’m envious of Charlaine Harris’ ability to entertain me for hours at a time. I’m completely consumed by that world. I’ve been speaking in a southern accent in my head. This happened during my last True Blood/Sookie Stackhouse craze. Even as I type these words, each one echoes in my mind in a deep southern drawl.
It’s cooled down now and the tourists are gone. That’s the thing about Woodstock, everything closes at 7 or 8pm at the latest except for a few restaurants. I still hear high schoolers roaming the street late at night though. They sit in packs on the sidewalks and I have to admit that I favor the other side of the street to avoid them. It’s just a leftover habit I have from when I was a kid. Even though I’m probably ten years older than them, I still have a teensy fear that they’ll pick on me. It seems ridiculous now that I’m writing it down, but I’ll resist the urge to erase it.
Although I miss Baltimore, my house, my husband, my cats, I feel at home here too. It’s an easy town to get used to because there is only one main street and you see the same people all the time. I often wonder what it would have been like to grow up here. You probably would take the beauty of the place for granted. I’m sure most kids are bored. I’m glad I get to enjoy it now, when I look forward to being nestled in the mountains and left to my own devices. Of course I still find ways to procrastinate editing my first draft. It pains me to cut thousands of words at a time, but I know it has to be done. Time to get to it. But tonight, I will not stay up until 1:00am listening to Sookie’s adventures. I was beat today. It’s time for a good night’s sleep.
I guess these are just a series of little thoughts on the small things that matter in my life. They come together to make something that I feel simply joyful and thankful for right now. There is nothing better than sitting in a place of gratitude (much better than a place of fear). I am content sinking into my desk chair, listening to the occasional car pass by in my right ear and crickets singing in my left and typing away. I’m happy to record these moments here, even if it’s just for me. Because it helps me remember later, when I’m in the middle of a not so nice place, that I need to remember that things never stay just one way and I’ll always make it back to this peaceful space.
Just for fun, I’m posting a picture I just found on Facebook of Steve and me at his (junior?) prom. This was ten years ago…
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This is such a beautiful post! And I’m loving all your pictures!
I still avoid teenagers too. What’s up with that?
I’m always afraid their going to make fun of me! It’s crazy but I guess when you’re tortured on the school bus as a kid you never totally get over it!
CB- I love this post. I’m going to be 4-0 this year and *I* still avoid packs of teenagers for the same reasons! eek! I’m glad you didnt erase that comment, and I love reading your observations – reminds me that some feelings,experiences are universal. Cant wait for that novel. xo, MP
Thanks, MP! Nice to know we aren’t alone:)